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The New Way to Write a Calligraphy Quote
Today, I want to show you how Procreate has transformed my calligraphy drafting process. For those who already have an iPad—or are considering one—this digital tool provides a quicker, more efficient way to create and refine your calligraphy designs.
Lately, I’ve been using an iPad app called Procreate to make calligraphy and illustration drafts. When I was working on The Calligraphy Book, drafts were a way of life. It was important to send concepts to my editor for approval before inking them, and it quickly became obvious that analog pencil drafts wouldn’t be efficient enough. That was when I began to create calligraphy and illustration drafts using the Procreate app on the iPad. Procreate made it easy to explore and communicate ideas without investing a ton of time.
This is a concept sketch for a chapter opener in The Calligraphy Book that didn’t make the final cut. The great thing about Procreate is that it only took me about two hours to draft this digitally—whereas doing it with a real pencil would have taken me several hours more. Today, I worked on a calligraphy quote for a friend who is job hunting and could use a little encouragement. I saved time by sketching the draft in Procreate, and I want to share a glimpse of that process. If you have an iPad, the Procreate app can be a real game-changer for quickly planning layouts and nailing down flourish placement!
1. Make a Draft in Procreate
You’ll begin by opening the Procreate draft on your iPad. Create a document that reflects the size of the pointed pen calligraphy quote you want to write. Then, use the “Script” brush to put together a draft.
While the draft above looks effortless, it required a lot of tinkering. I exported a timelapse video to show you exactly what went into creating it. (Notice that I initially forgot to write “%”, and I spelled “succeed” wrong. That’s what I get for watching a show while I write!)
The lovely thing about Procreate? Spacing and spelling mistakes are easy to fix. 2. Print the Draft
Once you’re happy with your Procreate draft, transfer it to your computer. Then, use Photoshop or a similar photo editing program to add a black border to the draft.
Next, print the draft out on a white piece of paper.
3. Trace
Once you’ve printed the Procreate draft, you can put your tablet away. Then, go ahead and place a piece of watercolor paper (or a different high-quality paper) over the draft. Choose your favorite pen, nib, and ink combination, and begin to write.
Since your draft is set, you can relax and enjoy the process. Grab a hot tea and put on a series, podcast, or audiobook that you love. Then, immerse yourself in the rhythm of pulling the pen down and pushing it up.
I decided that this project presented the perfect opportunity to check out Bridgerton. I’m now on episode three, and I can see myself coming back for more. Continue to create calligraphy using the Procreate draft as a guide. Once you’re finished, you’ll have a cleanly calligraphed quote with no pencil guidelines to erase!
I used iron gall ink, a Brause EF66 nib, and an oblique pen to write this quote. 4. Add Gold
Once the quote is written, you’re free to stop there—but if you want to add a bit of sparkle, consider some gold embellishments. Try reinforcing your downstrokes with parallel gold strokes or add small gold circles to your finer lines.
Then, if it feels right to take it a step further, you can add some gold flakes to random edges of the quote. (If you don’t know how to do that, see this tutorial.)
Gold foil might not be vital to a project like this one; but it’s hard to deny that it’s elegant, festive, and unique. 5. Send!
Once the quote feels finished, pass it along to someone special! Inspirational quotes like this often arrive when they’re most needed. I’m sending this one to a friend who is embarking on a job search, and I suspect she’ll be grateful for the reminder.
Lucky for me, my job-searching friend’s name is “Kim”. An easy substitute for “Kid” in that last line! If you can whip up a nice envelope for the quote to arrive in, all the better! I used the centering techniques from this tutorial to make an envelope that’s both quirky and formal.
I realize that not everyone has an iPad or the Procreate app, but hopefully this process offers some inspiration to those of you who do—or for anyone considering making the investment. Digital drafting can save a lot of time, especially when you’re refining layouts or flourishes. But remember, you don’t need fancy tools to create something meaningful. Whether you use an iPad or a traditional pencil and paper, the most important part is the thought and care behind your creation. I hope this gives you some helpful insights, no matter how you choose to approach your calligraphy projects!
Thanks so much for reading,
